“He understands completely that it’s not true,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve been a member of this union for 20 years. It’s important for all the guys to understand that my loyalty is to this union. That would never happen, it would never occur. And it didn’t happen. Let’s make one thing clear: For the next seven weeks, it’s going to be a very, very bumpy road. Every day, expect a story like this if not bigger. After arbitration, I’ll have an opportunity with a full platform and I can tell my full story.”

“I’ve always taken the stance that he has nothing to explain to me,” Wells said. “This isn’t my story. This isn’t even a Yankees story. This is an Alex Rodriguez story. If he feels he has to address the team, then great. We’re going to continue to move on and go play baseball.”

And play baseball the Yankees did last night, winning baseball, because Andy Pettitte was solid and the offense, including Rodriguez who went 2-4 with a walk (and both of his outs were well-struck), remained hot.

Never believe this but Alfonso Soriano hit a 3-run home run giving him 18 RBI (a good month) in his last 4 games. And Mark Reynolds homered in his first Yankee at bat. Again, from Jennings, here’s Reynolds:

“We battled these guys with the Orioles last year, but this is different. When you’re on deck, I mean, you can’t repeat what the fans say to you, but it’s just a different vibe, a different atmosphere for sure. But all that stuff does is motivate us as players to go out there and perform better. It’s all in good fun, and it’s a great spot to be in, in this rivalry.”

The hysteria will continue for sure today and tomorrow what with the games on National TV. Last night, Rodriguez wasn’t upset by the jeering. Let’s hope the Yanks keep pushing along, sideshow and all.